I was very much looking forward to my work trip to the Big Apple. I hadn't been back to the city since I graduated from FIT and I couldn't wait to hit up a few of my favorite restaurants and of course do a little shopping. I was told we would have some down time while we were there and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to get all of my new clothes for my upcoming Florida vacation. Needless to say - I had no time for shopping. *sigh*
But shopping or no shopping, I had a wonderful time on the trip. We were to NYC to participate in the 101st NRF (National Retail Federation) Big Show 2012. Isn't it ironic that I am able to attend events like this only after I leave the fashion industry? We had a successful trade show and met with several retailers from across the industry. From big names like Nieman Marcus to small retailers whose names I can't remember. And I was fortunate enough to sit in on a discussion presented by David Wolfe of The Donegar Group that focused on "Fashion and the Future."
He presented up coming trends in silhouettes, color, patterns, and textiles. It was wonderful to hear that color is back. Forget all of your black on black ensembles. It's time to bring bright colors back into your wardrobe. I know we started to see some of this coming back when the colored denim was a big trend last spring and fall, but more and more designers are embracing the color movement. From 3.1 Philip Lim to Marc Jacobs to Chanel, designers across the board are showing optimism in their collections through the use of color. And retailers take note, The Donegar Group is predicting that shades of bright blues will be the first color to be embraced by the general public. So take your cobalts and put them in your A location, they are going to be the hot item.
We also discussed how the fashion industry needs to redirect their focus from the ever popular market of 18-34, and refocus on those who are a little more mature, 55-75 market. It was inspiring listening to Mr. Wolfe talk about how clothing should no longer be classified as "age appropriate" but rather be classified as "ageless appropriate." Encouraging retailers and designers to provide fashionable pieces that are appropriate for all ages. Longer hem lines, and long sleeved blouses....concealing more, instead of covering less. He explained that designers need to refocus on the baby boomer generation...the generation that is still highly focused on fashion...and the generation that has the money to spend on luxury items.
It was nice to be back in NYC and discussing fashion with industry professionals. And even though I wasn't able to go shopping, I was able to learn about the upcoming trends, so now I am even more prepared to stock my closet this spring.
And for those of you who want to be on the cutting edge of fashion -
"leopard is out...zebra is in."
- David Wolfe.
compliments of Style.com
3.1 Philip Lim Spring RTW 2012
